On a cold, dark, wet, wintry day, a cup of hot chocolate is mandatory. As it also is for après-skiing or ice skating in Central Park. And I think hot chocolate tastes best when you’re sitting in front of a fire.
It’s been a harsh winter for most of the country and now it seems like San Antonio is getting a taste of it as well. I have been wishing for some cold, and I mean cold weather. And my wish is coming true. It’s predicted that the high’s will be in the low 40’s and the low’s in the 20’s. Burrrrr.
A perfect opportunity for a cup or two of hot chocolate.
It’s been years since we’ve bought or used a hot chocolate mix. In fact, David’s been making his own hot chocolate ever since I can remember.
And when I tell you how easy it is, not to mention how fantastic it tastes, you’ll likely never buy or use that junk in a package either. This version is healthy and free of chemicals, additives and preservatives. Plus, you can use dairy-free milk and even a sugar substitute for a cup of guilt-free, vegan hot chocolate.
So here’s the best way to make it at home. May I suggest you make a bunch of this yummy stuff and get the whole family to sit by the fire and sip hot chocolate for some quality time together?
Buen provecho!
Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk whole milk, skim, rice, soy, coconut, almond milk or other
- 2 1/2 tablespoons raw cacao or cocoa powder the best quality cocoa you can find
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chopped (I use a combination of 50%-70% dark chocolate discs though you could use any chocolate you have just chop it into pieces so it melts evenly and easily; if you do choose milk chocolate, you will likely not need to add much sugar)
- Pinch kosher or sea salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or coconut sugar optional, I have also used a few drops of Stevia if you are trying to cut back on sugar
- Whipped cream from the can (chocolate whipped cream is especially nice for this) or homemade, for garnish
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-high heat. Add the cocoa and a pinch of salt to the milk and whisk to combine. Once the milk starts heating up, add the dark chocolate and continue whisking until everything is melted.
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If using, add the sweetener of choice and stir to dissolve. Just before it comes to a boil, remove from the heat.
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Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with a generous squirt of canned whipped cream or a big dollop of homemade whipped cream and serve.
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